I have a heart for small churches.
I grew up in small churches; worked on staff at one (1/4 time); pastored two; and served as District Leader for five of them.
I remember the days when my check was $232 a week. I remember what it felt like to prepare all week and look out to see 30 people. I remember wanting to go to conferences to learn how to be a better pastor/leader but not having enough money. I remember struggling with God when it seemed like I was the only one doing ministry around the church. I remember feeling all alone in the big world of church.
As a result of all these things I have heart for small churches.
I want to…
- Create and give away resources to every small church that will have them
- Highlight the small church at every possible point
- Develop creative partnerships with small church pastors and leaders that will facilitate kingdom expansion
- Offer encouragement to small church pastors and congregations (If you know one… thank him/her for his/her service to Christ… Encouragement is a great gift!)
My friend Brandon is a small-church/bi-vocational pastor. He is doing a great series of posts called “The Quirks of Being Bi-Vocational.” I encourage you to read these and then find a small church pastor to pray for and encourage! (Click here to read the posts)
Filed under: church
Paul,
I’m completely on board with your attitude towards small churches. I come from a small church, and I’ve helped out in a couple, and it can be tough sometimes. I feel for those guys.
I really appreciate your desire to help and encourage small churches and small church pastors. It definitely goes a long way.
Speaking of which, I recently did a blog post on small church strategies. I, like you, have a tremendous desire to see small churches used as effective ministries. There’s so much potential!!!
http://www.nathanrice.org/2007/01/15/10-small-church-strategies-in-a-big-church-world/
Great Blog, by the way! I’m a daily feed reader
Nathan
http://www.nathanrice.org